Lexington Books Fear of Persecution: Global Human Rights, International Law and Human Well-being

Fear of Persecution offers an absorbing and necessary overview of the plight of internally displaced people (IDPs) and refugees. Every year there are tens of millions of people around the world who have fled or are in flight due to the fear of persecution based upon race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, and who then become invisible. James D. White and Anthony J. Marsella bring together essays that address issues emerging from the current relationship of international law, human rights, and refugee health and well-being. This book discusses and critically analyzes the evolvement of international responses and NGO's, the influence of the East/West cultural binary, and possible frameworks for peace-building efforts. White and Marsella provide a unique interdisciplinary approach to a complex subject, mixing the views of leading academics, policy analysts, senior officials from NGOS, and lawyers to consider the situation from various angles. Fear of Persecution is a compelling and comprehensive text that is sure to stimulate debate among political theorists and those interested in international relations. Review The book provides valuable perspectives, and is generally well written. . . . Recommended.--CHOICE A gripping collection of thoughtful essays from scholars and practitioners about the theoretical and actual challenges of eliminating the fear of persecution. A stark indictment of the disconnects between international rhetoric and reality.--Thomas G. Weiss About the Author James D. White is Associate Director, International Programs, Center for Advanced Communications Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology. Anthony J. Marsella is Professor Emeritus of the Department of Psychology at the University of Hawai'i.